Left Gastroepiploic Artery, Posterior View

Description

Arising from the splenic artery near the splenic hilum, the left gastroepiploic (left gastro-omental) artery courses medially within the layers of the greater omentum and tracks along the greater curvature of the stomach. From a posterior perspective, its arcade is appreciated as it sweeps across the posterior gastric wall, sending gastric branches superiorly toward the body and fundus while omental branches descend inferiorly into the gastrocolic ligament. Proximally the vessel lies lateral, near the spleen, then becomes more medial as it approaches its anastomosis with the right gastroepiploic artery. Key landmark. Posterior visualization of the gastroepiploic arcade matters in operations that enter the lesser sac or mobilize the greater curvature, where bleeding can be brisk and control depends on understanding the vessel’s relationship to the gastrosplenic ligament and adjacent short gastric vessels. In sleeve gastrectomy and distal gastrectomy, division along the greater curvature requires identifying and ligating the left gastroepiploic artery near its origin while protecting splenic hilar branches; tension or misidentification raises the risk of splenic injury and postoperative hemorrhage. This view also supports interpretation of angiography or CT angiography when evaluating upper gastrointestinal bleeding sources along the greater curvature. Ideal for teaching foregut vascular anatomy in gross anatomy, surgical anatomy, and gastroenterology modules, and for illustrating operative steps in bariatric or oncologic gastric surgery texts where posterior exposure of the stomach is described. It also fits clinical presentations on left-sided gastric devascularization, omental flap planning, and splenic hilum dissection. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.